Home of the Brave: Honoring the Unsung Heroes in the War on Terror

They are nineteen of the most highly decorated soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines in the United States military, and yet most Americans don't even know their names. In this riveting, intimate account, former Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger and Wynton C. Hall tell stories of jaw-dropping heroism and hope in Afghanistan and Iraq. Home of the

Overview

They are nineteen of the most highly decorated soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines in the United States military, and yet most Americans don't even know their names. In this riveting, intimate account, former Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger and Wynton C. Hall tell stories of jaw-dropping heroism and hope in Afghanistan and Iraq. Home of the Brave takes readers beyond the bullets and battles and into the hearts and minds of the men and women who are fighting terrorists overseas so that America doesn't have to fight them at home. These are the powerful, true-life stories of the hopes, fears, and triumphs these men and women experienced fighting the War on Terror. But more than that, these are the stories of soldiers who risked everything to save lives and defend freedom. Including:

*Lieutenant Colonel Mark Mitchell, the Green Beret leader whose 15-man Special Forces team took 500 Al Qaeda and Taliban prisoners, and posthumously repatriated the body of the first American to die in combat in the War on Terror, CIA agent Johnny "Mike" Spann.

*Army National Guard Sergeant Leigh Ann Hester, the first woman ever to be awarded the Silver Star for combat, whose sharp-shooting and bravery played an enormous role in fighting off over fifty Iraqi insurgents while her ten-person squad protected a convoy of supplies on the way to fellow soldiers.

*Sergeant Rafael Peralta, a Mexican immigrant, enlisted in the Marines the same day he received his green card. Wounded from enemy fire, Peralta used his body to smother the blast of an enemy grenade and gave his life so that his marine brothers could live.

These real-life heroes remind us of American history's most enduring lesson: Ours would not be the land of the free if it were not also the home of the brave.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

U.S. soldiers are fighting for our nation's survival, yet too many Americans couldn't care less, according to former secretary of defense Weinberger and Hall (coauthor with Richard Wirthlin of The Greatest Communicator: What Ronald Reagan Taught Me About Politics, Leadership, and Life). The fault lies with the liberal media, they add, which denigrates the military's valor and disparages America's war on terrorism. The authors aim to counter this misinformation with stories of 19 soldiers decorated for actions (rescuing endangered comrades or killing large numbers of the enemy) in Iraq and Afghanistan. Weinberger and Hall detail these accounts in breathless, overheated prose ("Rafael Peralta was not born in America, but he died defending her") and quote many fervent patriotic declarations plus expressions of love for democracy, commanders, wives, parents and God. These 19 soldiers-and the authors-believe absolutely that America's cause ("defending freedom") is just. Each chapter concludes with the official written citation that accompanied the soldier's medal. Readers searching for a deeper understanding of the war will end up no wiser. (May 16) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

From the Publisher

"Finally! The stories about our military heroes we've all been waiting to read. One of the most important books yet written about the War on Terror. Heart-pounding action filled with humanity and hope."Sean Hannity on Home of the Brave

"The authors have assembled a wonderful collection of reports of the extraordinary heroism of America's servicemen and women in the War on Terror, reminding us not only of the sacrifices of the men and women in uniform and their families, but of the enormous debt the rest of us owe them for the service that "We the People" have asked them to undertake for us."General John W. Vessey, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Home of the Brave

"Riveting sagas of extraordinary heroism in combat by members of our Armed Forces during one of the most difficult, frustrating and critical conflicts in our history. A must read for all Americans who care about the future."General P.X. Kelley, USMC (Ret.) 28th Commandant of the Marine Corps on Home of the Brave

Sean Hannity

One of the most important books yet written about the War on Terror. Heart-pounding action filled with humanity and hope.

General John W. Vessey

A wonderful collection of reports of the extraordinary heroism of America's servicemen and women in the War on Terror.

General P.X. Kelley

Riveting sagas of extraordinary heroism in combat by members of our Armed Forces...A must read for all Americans.